In Poland, extensive searches are being conducted, including those of former Minister of Justice Zbigniew Zyobro, linked to allegations of misconduct in the Justice Fund. Several individuals have been detained as part of the investigation, according to reports by RMF24.
Investigation Underway
Since the morning of March 26, the Internal Security Agency, under the directives of the National Prosecutor's Office, has been conducting searches across numerous locations in Poland, including apartments, houses, and offices. To date, four individuals have been apprehended.
The focus of the inquiry is the Justice Fund, designed to provide financial aid to victims of crime and accidents, which fell under the purview of the Ministry of Justice during Zyobro's tenure in the previous government. Investigators are exploring whether officials misused their authority or failed in their duties related to the fund's operation.
Allegations of Corruption
The Higher Chamber of Control's inspection highlighted potential "corruption mechanisms" within the fund, suggesting the possibility of misallocated funds.
European Parliament member Patrick Yaki reported that searches were conducted at Zyobro's residence and those of deputies Michal Vos, Marcin Romanowski, and Dariusz Matetski, noting that entry was forced into Zyobro's home in his absence, without prior contact attempts.
Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Marcin Kierwiński, remarked, "Today's actions by the prosecutor's office and services send a clear message that the Polish state is taking action. The era of the 'unpunished caste' is over. Those who committed crimes will be held accountable."
Context of the Searches
Zbigniew Zyobro is among the figures from the previous administration facing scrutiny over past controversies, including the use of spyware for surveillance and the organization of postal voting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In late 2023, new judgments against former Ministry of Internal Affairs heads Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik for abuse of power were revealed, which the ruling Law and Justice party decried as political persecution. President Andrzej Duda pardoned them for a second time.
